What Jesus Did! 'The Lord Needs Them!' — Matthew 21:1-3

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. "Go into the village over there," he said. "As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will immediately let you take them."
— Matthew 21:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus commands, and we are to obey. His words are powerful and full of authority. He didn't have to quote from the rabbis to speak God's truth; he spoke on his own authority as God's Son. He could command and order out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead, or calm the fiercest storm. So when he sends the message that "The Lord needs them," then we had better pay attention.

So I want to challenge you today, just as I'm challenging myself: "What in my life does the Lord need today?"

Like the donkey, whatever it is may make it back to its original "owner" when Jesus is done with it. On the other hand, he may call us to give it up and surrender it to his glory (Matthew 19:18-21). The point is simple: When the Lord calls, we come; when the Lord asks, we obey; and what the Lord demands, we do. Anything less and he is not our Lord, Master, King, and Savior.

Today's Prayer

Give me a generous heart, O God, that I will not only follow your example but share generously and graciously with you and others just as you have already shared with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 2:1-5, 11
  • Matthew 26:17-18
  • Luke 17:10

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

The Way of Jesus #1: Truly See the Coming King
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, James Nored and Phil Ware share the significance of Jesus' Triumphal Entry as they begin a special Holy Week series.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 21:1-3 NLT — "Go into the village over there,"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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